Pallesen Place Officially Opens in Lake County
Pallesen Place Brings a New Era of Supportive Housing in Lake County
Pallesen Place, a groundbreaking permanent supportive housing project, combines housing with mental health services to support individuals facing instability. With 40 units, it represents a new era of compassionate solutions for Lake County’s vulnerable population.
On January 17, 2025, Lake County celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening of Pallesen Place, a permanent supportive housing development that provides a stable and compassionate environment for residents facing housing instability and behavioral health challenges.
Developed in collaboration with Rural Communities Housing Development Corporation (RCHDC) and supported by Lake County Behavioral Health Services, Pallesen Place represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the intersection of mental health and housing insecurity. The event brought together State and County leaders, community partners, and stakeholders to commemorate this crucial addition to Lake County’s housing landscape.
Among the distinguished guests was Congressman Mike Thompson, who expressed wholehearted support and enthusiasm for the project, recognizing its potential to improve lives and strengthen the community. His presence underscored the broad commitment, at the local, state, and federal levels, to expanding housing opportunities for individuals with behavioral health needs.
During the ceremony, Elise Jones, Director of Lake County Behavioral Health Services, underscored the transformative impact Pallesen Place will have on the lives of its residents. “This project is more than just housing. It’s a commitment to dignity, stability and hope,” reflecting on the department’s ongoing mission to integrate behavioral health support with essential housing services.
Pallesen Place has 40 units, 20 of which are dedicated to behavioral health consumers, ensuring that vulnerable individuals have not only a safe place to live but also access to mental health care, substance use treatment, and case management services. By prioritizing a Housing First model, the project removes barriers to housing, recognizing that stability is the foundation for successful recovery and well-being.
The realization of Pallesen Place was made possible through strong collaboration between public and private partners. RCHDC Chief Executive Officer, Ryan LaRue, and others honored the contributions of County Administrative Officer, Susan Parker, who worked tirelessly to remove barriers to project completion, and was honored to perform the Ribbon Cutting. With housing availability and behavioral health needs reaching critical levels in rural communities like Lake County, this project serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness and improving community wellness, marking the beginning of a collaboration for a healthier future.
The Board of Supervisors celebrates the rich diversity of Lake County’s communities, and is committed to promoting the well-being and economic resiliency of ALL residents, in consistency with the public’s “Vision 2028” priorities.